When does a rotten tooth need to be pulled out, and when can it be saved?
No one loves a trip to the dentist, especially when it involves the words “rotten tooth.” Just the sound of it can make you cringe, right? But the truth is, leaving a decayed tooth in your mouth can do more harm than you might think. So, let us break it down in simple, Aussie-style terms.
What Is a Rotten Tooth, Anyway?
A “rotten” tooth is just another way of saying the tooth is badly decayed. It usually starts off as a small cavity caused by bacteria munching away at the enamel. If left untreated, the decay can dig deeper into the dentin and even reach the nerve. That’s when the real pain begins.
A rotten tooth might be:
- Discoloured (brown, black, or even grey)
- Smelly (yep, it can cause bad breath)
- Sensitive to hot, cold, or sweet stuff
- Painful when chewing
- Loose or crumbling
- Surrounded by swollen or bleeding gums
Can a Rotten Tooth Be Saved?
Here’s the good news: not all rotten teeth need to be yanked out. If the tooth decay is caught early, a simple filling or root canal might do the trick. Dentists do everything to save natural teeth because nothing works quite like the real deal.
You might be able to save your tooth if:
- The decay hasn’t reached the root
- There’s enough healthy tooth structure left
- There’s no major infection or abscess
- The bone around the tooth isn’t severely damaged
Treatments that can help save a rotten tooth include:
- Fillings: Great for small-to-moderate decay.
- Crowns: Used when a large portion of the tooth is damaged.
- Root Canal Treatment: Removes the infected pulp, cleans the inside, and seals it up.
But sometimes, saving the tooth just isn’t an option.
When Does a Rotten Tooth Need to Be Removed?
Alright, here’s the real question: when is tooth extraction absolutely necessary?
Here are the signs it’s time to say goodbye to that tooth:
1. Severe Decay Beyond Repair
If the decay has destroyed most of the tooth, there might not be enough structure left to hold a filling or crown. In these cases, trying to save the tooth could be more trouble than it’s worth.
2. Infection and Abscess
A tooth infection can spread to the surrounding gum, bone, and even other parts of your body. If antibiotics and a root canal can’t clear it up, extraction might be the safest option.
3. Gum Disease and Bone Loss
Advanced gum disease (periodontitis) can loosen the tooth by damaging the bone around it. If the tooth is barely hanging on, removing it may be the best choice for your overall oral health.
4. Persistent Pain
If a tooth causes chronic pain even after treatment, extraction could bring lasting relief. Nobody wants to live on painkillers or miss out on a good meal because of a sore tooth.
5. Spreading Decay
Leaving a rotten tooth in your mouth can let bacteria spread to your other teeth. Getting it removed helps prevent a domino effect of dental problems.
6. Preparation for Dentures or Implants
Sometimes a tooth needs to be removed to make way for full or partial dentures or a dental implant. If the tooth is too far gone, keeping it might interfere with your long-term treatment plan.
What Happens During Tooth Extraction?
It sounds worse than it is, promise. Most extractions are quick and painless thanks to modern dental techniques.
Here’s what usually happens:
- Examination and X-Ray – The dentist checks the damage and plans the best way to remove the tooth.
- Numbing – You’ll get a local anaesthetic to numb the area.
- Removal – The dentist gently loosens and removes the tooth. If it’s broken or impacted, they might need to cut it into pieces.
- Aftercare – You’ll be given instructions on how to keep the area clean and promote healing.
Some people might feel a bit sore or swollen afterwards, but painkillers and rest usually do the trick.
What Happens If You Don’t Remove a Rotten Tooth?
Here’s the scary bit. Ignoring a badly decayed tooth can lead to serious complications, like:
- Infection spreading to your jaw or bloodstream (sepsis – not something to mess with)
- Jawbone deterioration
- Tooth loss in neighbouring areas
- Gum disease
- Chronic bad breath
- Constant pain and sleepless nights
Delaying treatment can also make future dental work more expensive and complicated. So, if your dentist recommends removing a rotten tooth, it’s probably for a good reason.
Life After Tooth Removal
Losing a tooth isn’t the end of the world – it just means a new beginning. Once the area heals, you’ve got a few options to replace the missing tooth, such as:
- Dental implants – Strong, long-lasting, and look just like the real thing.
- Bridges – Use nearby teeth to “bridge” the gap.
- Dentures – Removable replacements, either partial or full sets.
Replacing a missing tooth isn’t just about looks – it helps with chewing, speaking, and keeping your other teeth in place.
Tips to Prevent Tooth Decay in the First Place
Let’s be honest – prevention is always better than extraction. Here are a few simple ways to dodge the rotten tooth drama altogether:
- Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste
- Floss daily (yeah, we know it’s annoying – but it works)
- Visit the dentist regularly for check-ups and cleans
- Cut back on sugary snacks and drinks
- Drink plenty of water, especially tap water with fluoride
Final Thoughts
A rotten tooth might sound scary, but it’s surprisingly common – and treatable. Whether it needs a simple filling, a root canal, or an extraction depends on how far the decay has gone. The most important thing? Don’t ignore it. If your tooth is giving you grief, have a yarn with your dentist and sort it out before it gets worse.
Remember, your smile is worth looking after – even if it means saying goodbye to one tooth to save the rest.